50 years later — International Bridge to celebrate anniversary on Wednesday

Sunday

Oct 28, 2012 at 3:30 PM

Wednesday marks the 50th anniversary of public use of the Sault Ste. Marie International Bridge, and bridge staff and authority board members have tried to design a day of celebration with something for everyone.

“It was at approximately 3 p.m. on Oct. 31, 1962, that the first toll-paying customers started to roll across the newly completed bridge,” said International Bridge Administration (IBA) General Manager Phil Becker. “Since that day, more than 93 million vehicles and $50 billion in trade have crossed the bridge, and we want this celebration to show our appreciation to our customers and our supportive bi-national community.”

The public is invited to the 50th anniversary plaque unveiling and dedication ceremony at 2 p.m. Wednesday. The ceremony is planned for the lawn area north of the LSSU Cisler Center with the bridge in the background.

“This plaque will be dedicated to all those who have endeavored to maintain a safe and efficient crossing for our two communities, Ontario, Michigan, and our two great countries,” said Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority (SSMBA) Chair Scott Shackleton. “It is dedicated to the bridge staff and authority board members who for 50 years have strived for, and accomplished, outstanding public service and stewardship through exceptional customer service and care for the bridge infrastructure.”

Identical plaques created to mark the anniversary will be placed at each end of the International Bridge.

To celebrate its 50th anniversary, the Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority (SSMBA) board decided to roll back passenger vehicle tolls to the rate in place when the bridge opened 50 years ago. The $3 toll rate for passenger vehicles and $2.10 rate for Prox Card customers will be reduced to $1.25 (U.S. and Canadian currency) per crossing between the hours of 10 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, and 10 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31.

“This required a significant amount of work to reprogram our toll collection software and other back-office adjustments,” said IBA Chief Financial Officer Peter Petainen. “We had to limit the reduced toll rate to the largest two of the 17 toll classifications, and align the 24-hour reduction with our usual 10 p.m.-10 p.m. business day to make this possible.”

Petainen estimates that based on traffic levels from Oct. 31, 2011, the toll reduction will cost the bridge $6,000 in revenue.

Also, bridge staff will take full advantage of the fact that the anniversary date coincides with Halloween.

“Our toll attendants have been encouraged to dress in Halloween attire, so we are looking forward to having some fun with our customers,” said Toll Operations Manager Mike Johnston. “Plus, we will be giving away candy and commemorative memorabilia to toll customers while supplies last.”

One of the items toll staff will be giving away is a postcard set depicting photo collages commemorating the bridge’s five decades of public service. In the 1,700 enveloped sets to be distributed, there will be a few surprises. Seven of the sets will include an extra 50th anniversary postcard entitling the holder to a special opportunity for either an arch tour, or a behind-the-scenes tour of the bridge operation and a $20 Prox Card deposit for their time. The arch tour invitation is for up to four people to walk to the top of the U.S. arch over the Soo Locks.

“This is an opportunity that is not open to the general public but is completely safe,” said Bridge Engineer Karl Hansen. “The group will be assisted by a couple of our seasoned steeplejacks, and all participants will be equipped with fall restraint harnesses that are secured to the hand rails running the length of the arch.”

To mark the formal conclusion of the year’s celebration, the IBA plans to deactivate the bridge anniversary lighting on the bridge arches at 8 p.m.

“The mile-long length of rope lighting strands requires climbing on the structure to keep the more than 200 individual industrial strands lit,” said Hansen. “This cannot be safely accomplished in the winter weather months.”

The goal is to reactivate the lights for the summer months next year. Over the winter, the IBA will identify the expected costs to get all the strands operational in the spring and to maintain them through next year and report to the SSMBA for their consideration.